Sadness has rippled through the legal profession after the announcement that the historic Philadelphia law firm, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, will be closing its doors permanently. The nearly 100-year-old firm recently revealed that it is currently in the process of planning for dissolution, marking an end to its well-esteemed operations in the industry.
Through the years, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis had boasted robust rankings, previously securing the 358th position on the NLJ 500. As of 2022, however, the firm’s personnel began to taper down to 109 attorneys. Presently, the firm’s website indicates a further decrease in personnel, listing under 100, specifically 88 attorneys.
Speaking to the Legal Intelligencer, the firm’s general counsel and litigation partner, Keith Whitson, gave a heartfelt statement accounting for the firm’s legacy. He expressed pride in the high-caliber work that the firm’s accomplished litigators, transactional, and estate planning attorneys have done in representing their valued clients over the years. Whitson noted that despite the firm’s eventual demise, the monumental contributions of its talented attorneys will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on society.
The news has left several questions regarding what will happen to the associates and partners of the firm during the wind-down process. Whitson has stated in his interview with the Legal Intelligencer that several groups were already in talks with other law firms. Furthermore, for those who are not engaged in such discussions, efforts are underway to assist them in the process.
The decision has not left the local legal community immune from its effects. Recruiters and lawyers in the area mourned the loss of Schnader Harrison, citing the firm as an “historic” “Philadelphia institution”. They further emphasized that its closure would mean a significant loss for the Philadelphia community.
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For more information about the closure of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, refer to the original article here.